Why Am I Always Bloated?

Bloated after most meals? Feeling heavy and sluggish no matter what you eat? You're not alone — and it's rarely just "something you ate."

The symptom:

Bloating, low energy after eating, irregular digestion, feeling foggy in the afternoons. Common complaints, often brushed off as normal — but they don't have to be.

The TCM view:

In TCM, digestion is governed by the Spleen and Stomach. The Spleen transforms food into usable energy (Qi) and moves it through the body. When Spleen Qi is weak, digestion slows, dampness builds, and bloating, tiredness, and brain fog follow.

Common contributors:

• Eating on the go or under stress

• Too much cold or raw food (smoothies, salads, iced drinks)

• Overthinking or mental strain

• Irregular meal times

Gentle lifestyle support:

• Choose warm, cooked food over cold and raw, especially earlier in the day

• Eat without distraction, at regular times — let digestion have your full attention

• A warm cup of ginger tea after meals can help support digestive Qi

Myth-buster:

A big raw salad isn't automatically the "healthiest" lunch — for someone with weaker digestion, it can be harder work for the body than a warm, cooked meal. Optimal health isn't one-size-fits-all.

We take a holistic, personalised approach at Health Tree Acupuncture — because everyone's balance looks a little different. If digestion has been bothering you, we're happy to talk it through.

Next week, we're looking at why you might struggle to switch off, even when you finally get a quiet moment. Follow along so you don't miss it.

Book an appointment or drop us a message

Warm wishes

John